The company is shortlisted for the second year at the Publican Awards where they’ll look to retain their title when the awards take place in March 2014 at London's Grosvenor House Hotel.

Stonegate has also been shortlisted in the HR Distinction Awards in two categories; Distinction in People Development and Distinction in Innovative Use of Technology for their bespoke online intranet system that houses a wealth of training and company information, along with all 12,000 employees’ professional development records.

Comedian Jon Culshaw will announce the winners of the HR Distinction Awards at a black tie dinner in Birmingham in February.

Tim Painter, HR Director at the Stonegate Pub Company said: “Our employees are vital to the success of our business and having happy, motivated people is of the utmost importance. We take great pride in their development and ensure that there is a range of reward and recognition schemes that benefit everyone. Being recognised for the work that we do for and with our people is just fantastic. It’s a real testament to the whole company who contribute towards making our business such a success.”

Since its inception in November 2010, the Stonegate Pub Company has doubled the number of pub it operates with three significant deals; the merger with Town and City Pub Company; the purchase of the Living Room venues and its most recent acquisition, 78 pubs from the administrators of the Bramwell Pub Company.